On Thorns I Lay
Sounds of Beautiful Experience (CD) 1995 Holy Records
I guess just saying "RUN, RUN LIKE HELL! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES AND DO NOT TURN BACK!" would not be much of a review? It is however the only thing that I can think of when hearing this album. On Thorns I Lay later produced some nice albums but this debut is horrible in my opinion. I really find it hard to find anything to say good about it. It's nothing more then an uninspired mix of various styles (mainly black, gothic and doom) that lacks any and all direction. Especially the black-metal parts totally destroy the music. If those had not been there one might actually get past the first song. It would however have put you to sleep then by becoming boring gothic/doom-metal. If you have read any of my other reviews you might have noticed that I am not usually somebody to bash bands or albums like this. But I simply can not find anything good to say about this album. It lacks any and all inspiration and I've not even talked about how much the drumming gets on my nerves. Seeing as how the band created some fine work later on perhaps this album just got released too soon when they were not ready for it. Just stay away from it. If you desperately want it because you're a big fan of the band and want to complete your collection get it but otherwise let this one pass.	1. Voluptuous Simplicity of the Line 2. All Is Silent 3. A Sparrow Dances 4. Cleopatra 5. A Dreamer Can Touch the Sky 6. Rainy Days 7. Sunrise of a New Age 8. On Thousand Times 9. Tazidi Nostalgiae Approx. 49 minutes
Reviewed by: Aldo Quispel
Crystal Tears (CD) 1999 Holy Records
Considering Aldo's unrelenting review of this band's debut album, I think it's pretty safe to say that On Thorns I Lay made a lot of progress since then, although I haven't heard that album yet. This band from Romania (with Greek roots!) plays a sort of beautiful, relaxing, atmospheric doom with both clean male and female vocals. The heavy Septic Flesh influences (including deep death grunt) you heard on previous album 'Orama', disappeared and the band finally shows an own identity. Interesting elements in this album are the very beautiful, fragile female vocals, the outstanding violin work and the melancholic, dreamy atmosphere of the songs. Not the most impressive or original doom release, but it's worth to check out for those who like the more dreamy, atmospheric side of dark music.	1. Crystal Tears 2. My Angel 3. Obsession 4. Crystal Tears II (Loosing Her) 5. Ophelia 6. Eden 7. Enigma 8. Midnight Falling 9. All Is Silent 10. Feelings Approx. 45 minutes
Reviewed by: Kostas Panagiotou